In the heart of Kyiv, Sens, Ukraine's largest bookshop, is a testament to the nation's resilience amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. The bookshop, with its coffee bar, literary events space, and thousands of books on the ground floor and in the basement, creates a haven for readers despite the tumultuous times.

The bookshop opened last week in the capital's main boulevard, Khreshchatyk. Vladimir Putin originally planned this location for a military parade. Still, Ukraine's surprising success in halting Russia's onslaught in 2022 altered those plans.

Sens is a three-story haven for book enthusiasts. On the first floor, visitors can explore a curated selection of bestsellers, children's literature, and a cozy coffee shop. The ground floor is a literary paradise, boasting extensive bookshelves adorned with fiction, non-fiction, and a collection of foreign-language books, currently available in English only. The second floor is a versatile space designed to host various events.

Ukraine's Shifting National Sentiment

The euphoria of Ukraine's initial victories has given way to a more realistic and somber national mood. Sens founder Oleksii Erinchak compared it with acknowledging an unpleasant truth, such as accepting the reality that the brown thing on our bathroom floor is a turd and not a cake. 

Erinchak said that people now understand that the war, which started 10 years ago when Putin took over Crimea and parts of the East, will not end soon. It is a painful realization shared by many. The over-optimistic projections of a swift victory in 2023, including the return of Crimea, led to a collective realization that the war's end is not imminent.

Erinchak emphasized the need for self-reliance, urging society to be more proactive in supporting the war effort. Foreign help is crucial, yet challenges persist, such as the delay in a $61 billion assistance package due to political blockades. 

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Offering Solace Amidst Prolonged Conflict

Despite the hardships, customers at Sens express their belief in Ukraine's ultimate triumph. Entrepreneur Anastasia Ponomarenko, a customer whose father fights on the frontline, emphasized the importance of remaining strong. She noted that without belief in victory, everything could be lost.

Individuals like content curator Anton Soloviov find solace in cultural pursuits as the conflict lingers. The bookshop, with its shelves of diverse titles, provides a refuge where people can momentarily escape the harsh realities of war. However, the uncertainty of Ukraine's future and the prolonged conflict weigh heavily on people's minds.

In the midst of this, Sens Bookshop has witnessed a literary boom. Publishers have shifted away from producing Russian titles. Ukrainian works, spanning classical literature to contemporary detective mysteries, have seen increased popularity. The bestselling title, "I See You Are Interested in the Dark" by Illarion Pavliuk, serves as both entertainment and a reflection of the nation's current struggles.

Ukrainian President Zelensky provided an updated death toll on Sunday, stating that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died in the war, refuting Russia's inflated figures. Zelensky also expressed uncertainty about the true number of civilian casualties in the occupied areas, acknowledging the challenges in determining the accurate count. This disclosure is uncommon for Ukraine, and alternative estimates, including from US officials in August, suggest higher military casualties, with up to 70,000 killed and as many as 120,000 injured.

Despite the ongoing challenges, Sens remains a vibrant cultural space, bustling with people seeking a semblance of normalcy. Erinchak highlighted that individuals desire to live normal lives, finding relaxation through books. He emphasized that culture is persisting and not currently halted. In a nation facing uncertainty, culture, literature, and the pursuit of normalcy provide a beacon of hope.

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